First COVID-19 deaths in Iron, Gogebic counties reported

By RICHARD JENKINS

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The presence of the coronavirus on the Gogebic Range was confirmed Thursday, not just with the announcement of the first positive cases but with the deaths of two people -- one each in Iron and Gogebic counties.

The Gogebic County case involved an elderly man with underlying health issues, according to the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, which said it was notified of the COVID-19-related death Thursday.

"Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to the family who lost their loved one," said the department's health officer, Cathryn Bee...